Flu Vaccines Mandatory for Victorian Health Workers

Vaccinations will soon become compulsory for frontline health workers in Victoria – including doctors, nurses, and paramedics – as the state government steps up the fight against the flu.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos introduced the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Bill 2020 in State Parliament last week.

The new laws will mean all healthcare workers with direct patient contact must be fully immunized against the flu each year, as well as whooping cough, measles, chickenpox and hepatitis B. This includes dentists, orderlies, cleaners and staff working in public sector residential aged care services.

Workers who refuse to be vaccinated “may face work restrictions or be redeployed to other parts of the health service.”

Mikakos said the laws would protect healthcare workers from preventable diseases, while also reducing the risk of transmission to the most vulnerable such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

“Last year’s flu season was our worst on record – highlighting why it’s so important our staff are protected against infectious diseases, so they can continue to provide the best care for patients.”

2019’s unprecedented flu season put enormous strain on Victoria’s hospitals, with more than 69,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases.

The flue shot is already free for Victorian health workers, and Mikakos said the state’s landmark ‘No Jab No Play’ laws were “making a real difference in protecting children against preventable diseases” – with Victorian immunisation rates still the best in Australia.

“Ensuring our dedicated healthcare workers are vaccinated provides them with a greater level of personal protection, while also reducing the spread of diseases to vulnerable patients.”